In a further sign that our economic recovery continues, Tasmania has started the year well, according to the most recent payroll jobs data released by the ABS.
In the first two weeks of January, payroll jobs grew by 2.0 per cent, which was higher than the national growth of 1.3 per cent. This was also the third highest growth seen nationally.
Importantly, as more travellers are able to experience our State, we are seeing jobs return to our tourism-related industries. Compared to other states, jobs in our hospitality and Arts and Recreation sectors have seen a jobs recovery better than the sector nationally.
This data comes on top of the latest CommSec State of the States Report released last week which ranked Tasmania as the best performing economy in the country, a title we’ve now held for the last four consecutive quarters, and today’s news that Tasmania’s credit rating remains at Aa2, according to Moody’s. This reinforces confidence in the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s strong budget management, and our continuing recovery.
Since the height of the pandemic’s impacts in May, more than three quarters of Tasmanians have returned to work, and the Government is focussed on growing our economy, creating jobs, and getting even more Tasmanians back into work as we continue to rebuild a stronger Tasmania.
The 2020-21 Budget includes a landmark $5 billion infrastructure program to support around 25,000 jobs, and a $22 million investment to make it easier for Tasmanian businesses to employ more apprentices, trainees and youth employees.